Drug to prevent ageing closer as scientists extend life of animals by 35 per cent

Mice who received a special compound to clear out the dead cells lived 35 per cent longer than those allowed to age normally
A drug to slow ageing has taken a step closer after scientists proved they could lengthen the lifespan of animals by up to 35 per cent.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have been studying senescent cells, the name for cells that no longer divide and can accumulate in the body with age, causing damage and disease.
Senescent cells are important because they prevent cancer spreading by stopping cell division and when people are young they are regularly cleared out of the body before they can cause problems.
But as we age the body stops being able to get rid of the dead cells as quickly and they can build up, stopping new cells regenerating.
Now scientists have shown that mice who received a special compound to clear out the senescent cells lived 35 per cent longer than those allowed to age normally. They were also stronger and healthier for longer.
If the same effects could be replicated in humans it could mean people living for decades longer, and in much better health.
Read more athttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/12138821/Drug-to-prevent-ageing-closer-as-scientists-extend-life-of-animals-by-35-per-cent.html